Issues to do in North Vancouver
Most guests to Vancouver will find yourself spending time in North Vancouver sooner or later throughout their journey. It’s the place town meets the mountains, rainforest and Pacific Ocean. There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in North Vancouver for guests and residents of the Decrease Mainland.
North Vancouver is definitely a separate metropolis, not only a route from downtown Vancouver.
We’ve lived in North Vancouver for a number of years, so we all know a factor or two about easy methods to get pleasure from this little slice of paradise. Through the years, we’ve explored North Vancouver’s mountains and mountain climbing trails, walked alongside its seashores and waterfront parks, and loved at its many eating places, cafes and breweries.
On this put up, we share our favorite issues to do in North Vancouver.
Whether or not you’re visiting North Vancouver for the primary time, otherwise you’re a resident in search of weekend inspiration, this put up was written with you in thoughts.
Just a few issues to notice earlier than we get began. The main focus of those actions and suggestions is for the Metropolis of North Vancouver and District of North Vancouver (right here’s a map). Technically they’re two separate municipalities. Nevertheless, for the aim of this put up, we’re mixing the 2 areas collectively. Most guests don’t know (or care) concerning the boundary traces between the 2.
We additionally didn’t embrace West Vancouver on this put up. Additionally it is a special metropolis, not only a route from Vancouver. Collectively, these 3 municipalities are sometimes referenced as ‘The North Shore’.
This can be a lengthy and detailed put up. Skip forward utilizing the Desk of Contents beneath.
Issues to do in North Vancouver
1. Lonsdale Quay Market
We start the journey in Decrease Lonsdale, the guts of North Vancouver. You’ll be able to’t miss this iconic North Vancouver landmark; simply search for the enormous spinning Q on the waterfront.
Lonsdale Quay Market has lengthy been one among North Vancouver’s high vacationer points of interest. Though the retailers and retailers inside the general public market have modified through the years, the unbelievable views of Vancouver’s skyline proceed to draw guests 12 months spherical.
The SeaBus ferry terminal is conveniently situated beside the Lonsdale Quay Market, providing fast and easy accessibility from downtown Vancouver. And vice versa. For those who’re staying in Vancouver, a go to to the Lonsdale Quay Market is the proper begin to your North Vancouver adventures.
2. The Shipyards District
Positioned immediately beside Lonsdale Quay Market is The Shipyards District. Over the previous decade, this waterfront house has reworked into one among North Vancouver’s premier locations.
The Shipyards has a number of eating places, cafes and retailers to discover. Seize a contemporary espresso and pastry at Cafe Artigiano and discover a seat on the pier to absorb the unbelievable views of Vancouver and Burrard Inlet.
You’ll be able to’t go mistaken with any of the eating places right here. Nevertheless, our favorite is Pier 7 Restaurant + Bar. We love seafood, so we come right here for contemporary oysters, fish tacos and craft beer. It has two ranges of patio house that provides unobstructed views of the Vancouver skyline.
Many festivals, live shows and neighborhood occasions are hosted right here. For those who’re visiting The Shipyards on a weekend, you is perhaps handled to reside performances.
The Shipyards is a superb spot for households any time of the 12 months.
Within the winter, The Shipyards gives the most important outside skating rink within the area (see picture beneath). In the summertime, the identical house is transformed right into a splash park for teenagers.
And… it’s house to Welcome Parlour Ice Cream Store. Every little thing is healthier with ice cream, proper?
Contemporary oysters, fried calamari and fish tacos at Pier & restaurant at The Shipyards.
Outside skating rink within the winter. It’s coated, so even when it’s raining (which tends to occur in North Vancouver), you’re protected against the weather.
Don’t have gear? No downside. You’ll be able to hire skates and helmets right here.
Outside patio at Faucet and Barrel Shipyards restaurant, one other native favorite.
The Burrard Dry Dock Pier at The Shipyards
The North Vancouver waterfront is arguably the very best place in Vancouver to observe the sundown.
3. Grouse Mountain
Probably the most widespread vacationer points of interest in Vancouver is Grouse Mountain. The self-described Peak of Vancouver attracts greater than 1.3 million guests every year, so it’s sort of an enormous deal in these components.
Grouse Mountain gives year-round operations, so there are many issues to do regardless whenever you go to.
There are a number of eating places and cafes inside Peak Chalet, together with Altitudes Bistro and The Observatory. Each eating places supply unbelievable views of Vancouver, Pacific Ocean and the Gulf Islands.
Summer time actions on Grouse Mountain embrace mountain climbing the notorious Grouse Grind (aka Mom Nature’s Stair Climber), mountain climbing trails, chairlift rides, mountain ropes journey and zip traces course, youngsters tree cover journey, wild life refuge with grizzly bears, lumberjack present, and self guided eco walks.
Winter actions on Grouse Mountain embrace snowboarding and snowboarding (33 ski and snowboard runs, 15 evening runs, 4 chairlifts, 6 terrain parks), snowshoe trails (9 km of trails), mountaintop ice skating, snow sliding zone, and the magical Mild Stroll.
The Grouse Mountain Skyride is an attraction all by itself. It’s North America’s largest aerial tramway system, transporting company from base to summit in lower than quarter-hour.
You’ll be able to ebook a tour that features Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge (see beneath) and round-trip transportation out of your lodge.
4. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is arguably the preferred attraction in North Vancouver. Though it’s change into fairly touristy over the previous decade, it delivers a really distinctive West Coast expertise not like wherever else.
The star attraction is the wobbly suspension bridge. It stretches 450 ft from end-to-end and 230 ft above the Capilano River.
Nevertheless, there’s way more to this North Vancouver icon. Lately, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park has expanded points of interest with the Cliffwalk and Treetop Adventures, together with Raptors Ridge, Kai’Palano training centre, informative forest trails and Story Centre exhibit.
For those who’re brief on time and need assistance deciding what to do in North Vancouver, we suggest you go to each Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge. It will likely be a full day, however you’ll expertise the 2 greatest North Vancouver vacationer points of interest.
Ebook your tickets to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park right here.
Throughout the pandemic, company have been required to stroll throughout the bridge in a single route solely.
I’m undecided if park organizers will proceed with this one-way method, however we desire this technique. It does create wait instances to cross the bridge, however the one-way crossing limits congestion on the bridge and permits for higher picture alternatives.
We’ve visited Capilano Suspension Bridge a number of instances through the years. The above picture is the primary, and solely, time we’ve witnessed the bridge utterly empty. Not one individual strolling throughout it!
This was throughout a worldwide pandemic on a wet Sunday, which is a extremely distinctive circumstance.
Do NOT count on to have the bridge all to your self. This park will get busy. However, if you happen to’re affected person, you may seize that good Instagram picture.
Cliffwalk journey at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Cliffwalk is the most recent exercise at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The cliffside stroll takes company by a collection of suspended walkways that stretch out from the granite cliff. It’s an adrenaline pumping stroll, particularly if you happen to don’t like heights.
Arial views of the Cliffwalk bridge stretching over the Capilano River beneath.
Treetops Journey at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Treetops Journey is the primary venue of its type in North America. It’s a collection of seven suspension bridges, hooked up to viewing platforms related to 250+ 12 months previous Douglas-firs. This distinctive cover stroll guides you thru the temperate rainforest with a squirrels-eye view.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park additionally has a number of totem poles and the Kia’palano instructional centre. The phrase Kia’palano means “stunning river” within the Skwxwú7mesh language.
Canyon Lights runs in the course of the winter months, from November to January. The suspension bridge is lit from finish to finish with multi-colour altering lights. The Cliffwalk and Treetops Journey bridges are additionally lit up with glowing lights, making a magical rainforest expertise.
Ebook tickets to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park right here.
5. Stroll throughout Cleveland Dam
In-built 1954, the Cleveland Dam holds again the man-made Capilano Lake, also referred to as the Capilano Reservoir. It provides contemporary consuming water to the residents of the Decrease Mainland.
The 300 foot concrete dam is part of the Capilano River Regional Park. It’s free to stroll throughout the dam and entry the encompassing forest trails.
It’s possible you’ll acknowledge the long-lasting inexperienced floating boathouse in these images. It’s one of the crucial photographed areas on the North Shore. The mountain within the backdrop above is Grouse Mountain.
The floating inexperienced home on Capilano Lake. This picture was captured in late Spring.
Capilano Lake and the little inexperienced hut coated below a blanket of snow.
Cleveland Dam within the winter with solely a trickle of water being launched into the Capilano River. Can you see the guts formed pool of water?
Completely different scene within the spring! The Cleveland Dam releases extra water within the spring due to the snow soften from the mountains. The water was raging that morning!
6. Discover Capilano Canyon
There are a number of mountain climbing trails inside Capilano River Regional Park. You can begin from the highest of Cleveland Dam and stroll down in the direction of the river, or vice versa. We frequently hike these trails with our younger boys and they’re nice with the terrain. The paths are huge and well-marked.
Are you able to see Cleveland Dam within the backdrop of the above picture?
The Capilano Salmon Hatchery is one other widespread free attraction inside Capilano Regional Park. The hatchery is open 12 months spherical, however late August by to November is an effective time to view salmon swimming up the river.
It’s a brief stroll from the Cleveland Dam to the Salmon Hatchery. Or you possibly can enter from Capilano Highway. It’s straightforward to overlook the doorway, so drive sluggish. There’s parking on the Cleveland Dam on Capilano Highway.
You too can take public transit from the Lonsdale Quay Market. Extra transit information right here.
Climbing round Capilano Canyon is one among our favorite issues to do in North Vancouver.
Views of the Capilano River. You’ll discover a small dam within the backdrop – that’s the Capilano Salmon Hatchery.
7. Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
To not be confused with Capilano Suspension Bridge talked about above, the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is one other widespread North Vancouver attraction. The park and suspension bridge are free to enter and discover.
This 160 ft lengthy (50 m) slim pedestrian bridge can get bouncy whenever you attain the center, which provides to the expertise. The views of the canyon from the suspension bridge are spectacular.
Whereas the precise bridge isn’t as spectacular as Capilano Suspension Bridge, the encompassing mountain climbing trails, forest and swimming holes make this park value a go to. For those who’re in search of extra nature, this bridge is a greater possibility than Capilano.
Take a look at The Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, open most days between 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Connor isn’t a fan of the bouncy Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. It may be intimidating for little ones as a result of the bridge is kind of excessive from the steep canyon beneath.
8. Lynn Canyon Park
Whereas the primary attraction at Lynn Canyon Park is the suspension bridge, this expansive park has a number of mountain climbing trails by the temperate rainforest that surrounds the canyon. The park has over 600 acres of rainforest and trails to discover.
The Baden Powell Path splits by Lynn Canyon Park, passing throughout Twin Falls Bridge, which is situated at south of Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. Extra information about this path right here.
North of the suspension bridge, the path leads all the way down to the river (Lynn Creek) and pure swimming swimming pools (30 foot pool). This can be a widespread spot in scorching summer season months.
Lynn Canyon trails are properly maintained with wood stairs, boardwalks and bridges.
Learn extra posts about British Columbia right here.
Swimming at Lynn Canyon Park
When it’s scorching outdoors, we prefer to frolicked within the shade alongside the river. The water is pretty shallow in most areas, so it’s good to soak within the pure swimming pools that kind alongside the rocky shore.
We desire swimming in contemporary water rivers, as an alternative of the salty ocean.
It’s not often this busy. In reality, it’s not often this busy. We captured this picture on the 30 Foot Pool throughout a warmth dome final summer season (July 2021), when temperatures exceeded 41 levels Celsius.
9. Decrease Seymour Conservation Reserve
Seeking to get outside and revel in North Vancouver’s easy accessibility to nature and wilderness? We suggest you go to the Decrease Seymour Conservation Space. We are able to simply dedicate a whole weblog put up about the very best mountain climbing trails in North Vancouver.
Right here’s a terrific useful resource that highlights the very best trails in Decrease Seymour Conservation Reserve for an adventurous hike or a household journey.
The Seymour Valley Trailway is a ten km paved path by the forest. It options a number of picnic websites with outhouses. Right here’s a map of the path.
Right here is an summary (instructions and map) of easy methods to get to Decrease Seymour Conservation Reserve. Parking is free (on the time of publishing) and there are washrooms.
Climbing the plush trails in Decrease Seymour Conservation Space.
10. Fishing at Rice Lake
Are you an angler in search of a quiet place to solid your line? In that case, Rice Lake is the place you need to be.
Positioned inside Decrease Seymour Conservation Reserve, Rice Lake is stocked yearly with rainbow trout. It’s a peaceful lake with a number of spots to solid from, together with a floating bridge (pictured beneath).
To succeed in the lake, drive to the Decrease Seymour Conservation Space parking zone. It’s a couple of 1 km forest stroll from the parking zone to the lake. The Rice Lake path is well-marked and largely flat.
Reminder, provincial contemporary water fishing laws apply right here.
11. Mount Seymour – snowboarding, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing
Mount Seymour is a well-liked winter vacation spot situated in Mount Seymour Provincial Park. The Mount Seymour ski space has 4 lifts, 40 ski/snowboard runs, 4 terrain parks, 330 meters of vertical drop, and 200+ acres of skiable terrain. Right here’s a path map of Mount Seymour.
Mount Seymour has a number of snowshoe trails with various problem. Right here’s the snowshoe path map. Snowshoes are required on the Discovery Snowshoe Trails and may be rented on the lodge.
Tubing and tobogganing are additionally out there at Mount Seymore. Extra information right here.
12. Mountain biking in North Vancouver
The North Shore mountains supply world-class mountain bike trials for all talent ranges. It has the whole lot from straightforward cross-country trails to superior technical trails with obstacles like bridges, ladders, and teeter-totters.
Mount Seymour has probably the most intensive community of trails in North Vancouver. Probably the most widespread mountain biking trails is the CBC path. This 2 km path begins on the high of Seymour Parkway and concludes on the parking zone on the base of the mountain, close to Northlands Golf Course.
Right here’s a path map of Mount Seymour Biking Trails.
Don’t have a mountain bike? Hire one at Lynn Valley Bikes or Limitless Biking.
13. Deep Cove
Deep Cove a small neighborhood within the easternmost a part of North Vancouver. It’s a cute village with a eating places, retailers and the favored Honey’s Doughnuts. Watch out – these donuts are extremely addictive.
The Cove is thought for its picturesque marina, kayaking and standup paddle boarding, mountain climbing and seashore park. The favored Quarry Rock hike is a comparatively straightforward hike that takes about 1.5 hours spherical journey (at a average tempo). The views from the highest of Quarry Rock are unbelievable.
For those who don’t have your personal gear, you possibly can hire kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and surf-skis from Deep Cove Kayak. Or, you possibly can be part of a Deep Cove Kayaking and Climbing Tour.
The rental store will get very busy in the summertime, particularly on weekends. It’s clever to make a reservation forward of time, simply in case. We’ve made the error of assuming we may simply stroll up and hire a kayak, solely to be disillusioned as a result of the entire kayaks have been in use.
One other distinctive North Vancouver journey is boating the traditional glacial fjord of Indian Arm on a non-public boat tour that departs from Deep Cove.
Parking at Deep Cove is difficult. It’s greatest to reach early (earlier than 8:30 AM), in any other case you may need to park a number of km’s away and stroll into the village. You too can take public transit from Lonsdale Quay Market to Deep Cove.
14. Cates Park
Seeking to spend the day on the seashore? We suggest you spend time at Cates Park. This seaside park has washroom amenities, youngsters’ playground, straightforward forest strolling trails, picnic areas and boat launch.
In the summertime months, from Might to September, you possibly can hire kayaks, surfskis and stand-up paddleboards from Cates Park Paddling Centre. It’s beneficial to make reservations for gear leases. Right here’s a map with paddling areas to discover.
Entry to the park is off Dollarton Freeway, the identical highway that results in Deep Cove. Cates Park is just 5 minutes from Deep Cove.
We noticed these purple starfish on the seashore at Cates Park throughout low tide.
Pier, dock and boat launch at Cates Park in North Vancouver.
15. Lynn Headwaters Regional Park
Lynn Headwaters Regional Park is situated near Decrease Seymour Conservation Reserve and Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. For those who’ve received the time, you possibly can go to all of those parks in the identical day.
Lynn Headwaters Park is is the most important of twenty-two regional parks in Metro Vancouver. It has over 9,216 acres of forest and gives a wide range of mountain climbing trails that vary in problem. Trails are colour-coded and vary from 3 km (2 miles) to 21 km (13 miles).
Widespread mountain climbing trails embrace the Varley Path, Lynn Loop Path, Cedars Mill and Lynn Headwaters Path Loop, Lynn Lake path, Coliseum Mountain Path and the difficult Lynn Peak Path (9 km to the summit).
Right here’s a map of Lynn Headwaters Park.
Lynn Headwaters Park is thought for it’s big boulders that line the river, creating a number of pure swimming pools for soaking your ft or taking a refreshing dip.
16. Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park is situated west of Lonsdale Quay Market. It’s solely a 5 minute stroll from the market and SeaBus terminal. The Spirit Path pathway crosses by this inexperienced house. You’ll be able to seize meals and drinks from the close by market and revel in a waterfront picnic with excellent views of town.
As you possibly can see beneath, Waterfront Park is among the greatest spots to observe Vancouver sunsets.
17. North Shore Spirit Path
After you’ve spent a while on the Lonsdale Quay and/or Shipyards District, take a stroll alongside the North Shore Spirit Path. This can be a lengthy metropolis path that passes alongside the North Shore waterfront.
You’ll be able to go east or west from the Lonsdale Quay. It’s a simple paved pathway, so you are able to do this path with a stroller, bike or scooter.
For those who go west, you’ll go Waterfront Park earlier than reaching Mosquito Creek Marina, the place you’ll see the floating houses pictured above. Proceed strolling west and also you’ll come to Kings Mill Stroll Park, a waterfront seashore park with views of downtown Vancouver.
See North Shore Spirit Path map right here.
Vibrant floating houses at Mosquito Creek Marina, views from Spirit Path pathway.
Kings Mill Stroll Park
For those who proceed strolling west alongside the Spirit Path, from Lonsdale Quay Market, you’ll attain Kings Mill Park. This park has a sandy stretch of seashore at low tide.
It’s a pleasant spot to benefit from the metropolis views and watch the sundown, as you possibly can see within the above picture.
Moodyville Park
Positioned on the Spirit Trial, east of Lonsdale Quay Market, is the newly up to date Moodyville Park. This can be a enjoyable park for teenagers as a result of it has a pump monitor, zipline, playground, picnic space and forest trails with a suspension bridge (above).
18. Brewery District – North Shore Ale Path
The North Shore Ale Path is comparatively new to North Vancouver. Over the previous few years, a number of craft micro-breweries have popped up within the Decrease Lonsdale Shipyards space.
Also referred to as The Brewery District, that is THE place to seize a craft beer sampler of North Vancouver’s most interesting. The primary micro-brewery to open within the Decrease Lonsdale space is Inexperienced Leaf Brewing, situated contained in the Lonsdale Quay Market.
Inside a 3 blocks of Lonsdale Quay Market, you possibly can go to 7 breweries, a cidery, a distillery and a number of brewpubs. And, there are extra coming!
Checklist of breweries in North Vancouver’s Brewery District
- Inexperienced Leaf Brewing – Lonsdale Quay Market
- North Level Brewing – situated on 1st Avenue, between St George and St Andrew Ave
- Streetcar Brewing – entrance within the alley between Esplanade and 1st Avenue, east of Lonsdale Ave
- La Cerveceria Astilleros – situated on Esplanade and St George Ave
- Beere Brewing – situated on Esplande and St Andrew Ave
- Home of Funk Brewing – situated on Esplanade, a number of steps east of Beere Brewing
- Shaketown Brewing – the most recent brewery to open on Esplanade Ave
- Copperpenny Distilling (Gin Distilery with cocktails) – situated beside Shaketown on Esplanade
- Windfall Cider & Co. (Cidery) – situated on Esplanade, beside La Cerveceria
Extra issues to do in North Vancouver
For those who made it this far, congratulations! That was a LOT if data. Nevertheless, there are nonetheless MORE issues to do in North Vancouver that didn’t make this put up.
- The Polygon Gallery – Artwork Museum at Lonsdale Quay (image above)
- Museum of North Vancouver – situated close to Lonsdale Quay
- Northlands Golf Course – close to Mount Seymour
- King Pins Bowling Alley – central Lonsdale Avenue
- InterRiver Park – close to Lynn Canyon Park
- Park and Tilford Gardens
- Maplewood Farm
We are going to replace this put up sooner or later with extra element about every of those spots.
Our favorite eating places in North Vancouver
There are such a lot of nice eating places in North Vancouver, so it’s exhausting to slim the record to just some.
Eating places in Decrease Lonsdale inside strolling distance to Lonsdale Quay Market:
- Pier 7 Restaurant and Bar – contemporary seafood with waterfront patio
- Nook – Italian delicacies with outside seating
- Joeys Shipyards – waterfront bistro, see menu right here.
- Fishworks – sustainably sourced seafood with British Columbia wine picks
- Jamjar Canteen – Lebanese meals. Get take-out order and eat outside on the pier or Shipyards
- Farina a Legna – Italian restaurant serving pasta and neapolitan pizza
- Anatoli Souvlaki – Greek delicacies with Glad Hour menu
Different North Vancouver favourites:
- Cazba Restaurant – nice Persian delicacies, situated sixteenth Avenue West and Lonsdale
- Hachi Hana Japanese Restaurant – situated Lonsdale and fifteenth St
- Smoke and Bones – genuine Southern Model Barbecue, situated on Marine Drive
- Tequila Cocina Lonsdale – Mexican delicacies, situated Lonsdale and twentieth Avenue
The place to remain in North Vancouver
It’s greatest to remain within the Decrease Lonsdale space as a result of that is the place the motion is. Most of the points of interest and eating places talked about listed here are inside strolling distance to the Lonsdale Quay Market.
One of the best inns in North Vancouver are:
One other good possibility is the Vacation Inn Lodge. It’s situated simply of the freeway, so it’s a really perfect lodge if you happen to’re taking a British Columbia highway journey from Vancouver.
Learn extra posts about British Columbia:
Have you ever visited any of those North Vancouver points of interest?
Share you ideas and suggestions within the feedback beneath. Our readers thanks!
